Self-adjustable foundation garment



A ril 12, 1966 J. R. MARTIN SELF-ADJUSTABLE FOUNDATION GARMENT 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 18, 1964 FIG.1

FIG. 4

FIG. 3

INVENTOR A ril 12, 1966 J. R. MARTIN SELF-ADJUSTABLE FOUNDATION GARMENT 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov.

FIG

FIG. 5

a a no! 00000 FIG. 7

FIG. 8

INVENTOR Joseph R. Martin ATTORNEY April 2, 1966 J. R. MARTIN 3,245,410

SELF-ADJUSTABLE FOUNDATION GARMENT Filed Nov. 18, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 United States Patent 3,245 410 SELF-ADJUSTABLE FOHJNDATION GARMENT Joseph R. Martin, Statesville, N.C., assignor to Flexmt Company, Inc., New York, N.Y., a corporation of Delaware Filed Nov. 18, 1964, Ser. No. 412,205 14 Claims. (Cl. 128-541) This application is a continuation-in-part of applicants co-pending application Serial No. 324,340, filed November 18, 1963, and entitled Self-Adjustable Foundation Garment.

The present invention relates, generally, to self-adjustable foundation garments, such as girdles, panty-girdles and the like.

More particularly, this invention pertains to foundation garments, such as girdles, panty-girdles, and the like, comprising a plurality of panels that are so constructed, contoured, disposed and arranged as to self-adjustably ease the development of figure controlling panels, for example, in the area of the abdomen, posterior, and hips, and particularly in the area of the thighs enabling the garment to self-adjustably adapt itself to the various geometrics and dimensional extents of the female torso, while, at the same time, being completely comfortable and permitting the assumption of a variety of positions and motions without riding or bunching with respect thereto, at least one of said panels presenting a greater degree of distensibility than the remaining panels and substantially all of said panels being distensible in at least one of a plurality of directions.

Heretofore it has been suggested that foundation garments be presented comprising panels differently disposed and variably contoured, constructed and arranged some of which are distensible in only one of a plurality of directions, and others of which are distensible in each of a plurality of directions. However, it has been found that foundation garments presently available do not provide the proper disposition of panels, the proper contour, construction and arrangement of panels, and, most important, do not provide at least one panel that is so constructed and arranged, and structurally cooperates with the remaining panels, in such a manner as to ease the control provided thereby, and, accordingly, present a garment that self-adjustably adapts itself to the various geometries and dimensional extents of the female torso, that is, is self-adjustable to accommodate the different sizes and shapes.

Accordingly, having in mind each and every one of the foregoing disadvantages, and others that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a foundation garment, such as a girdle, panty-girdle, and the like, comprising a plurality of panels that are so constructed, contoured, disposed and arranged as to self-adjustably ease the development of figure controlling pressures, for example, in the area of the abdomen, posterior and hips, and particularly in the area of the thighs, enabling said garment to self-adjustably adapt itself to the various geometries and dimensional extents of the female torso while, at the same time, being completely comfortable and permitting the assumption of a variety of positions and motions without riding or bunching with respect thereto, at least one of said panels being so constructed and arranged as to present a greater degree of distensibility than the remaining panels, and substantially all of said panels being distensible in at least one of a plurality of directions.

Another primary object of this invention is to provide a foundation garment, such as a girdle, panty-girdle, and the like, comprising a plurailty of panels that are so constructed, contoured, disposed and arranged as to self- 3,245,410 Patented Apr. 12, 1966 ice adjustably ease the development of figure-controlling pressures, for example, in the area of the abdomen, posterior and hips, and particularly in the area of the thighs, enabling said garment to self-adjustably adapt itself to the various geometrics and dimensional extents of the female torso while, at the same time, being completely fortable and permitting the assumption a variety of positions and motions without riding or bunching with respect thereto, at least one of said panels being operatively associated with at least one of the remaining panels, and being so constructed and arranged as to present a greater degree of distensibility relative thereto, and substantially all of said panels being distensible in at least one of a plurality of directions.

Yet another primary object of the present invention is to provide a foundation garment, such as girdles, pantygirdles, and the like, comprising a plurality of panels that are so constructed, contoured, disposed and arranged as to self-adjustably ease the development of figure-controlling pressures, for example, in the area of the abdomen, derriere and hips, and particularly in the area of the thighs, enabling said garment to self-adjustably adapt itself to the various geometries and dimensional extents of the female torso, while, at the same time, being completely comfortable and permitting the assumption of a variety of positions and motions without riding or bunching at least one of said panels being so constructed and arranged as to define a seam operatively associated with at least one of the remaining panels, the degree of distensibility of the seam being greater than that of the remaining panels and substantially all of said panels being distensible in at least one of a plurality of directions.

A further primary object of the present invention is to provide a foundation garment such as a girdle, pantygirdle and the like, comprising a plurality of panels that are so constructed, contoured, disposed and arranged as to self-adjustably ease the development of figure controlling pressures, for example, in the area of the abdomen, posterior and hips, and particularly in the area of the thighs, enabling said garment to self-adjustably adapt itself to the various geometries and dimensional extents of the female torso while, at the same time, being completely comfortable and permitting the assumption of a variety of positions and motions without riding or bunching, said panels being so constructed and arranged as to comprise a plurality of seams having a greater degree of distensibility, and substantially all of said panels being distensible in at least one of a plurality of directions.

A still further primary object of this invention is to provide a foundation garment, such as a girdle, pantygirdle, and the like, comprisinga plurality of panels that are so constructed, contoured, disposed and arranged as to self-adjustably ease the development of figurecontrolling pressures, for example, in the area of the abdomen, posterior and hips, and particularly in the area of the thighs, enabling said garment to self-adjustably adapt itself to the various geometries and dimensional extents of the female torso while, at the same time, being completely comfortably and permitting the assumption of a variety of positions and motions without riding or bunching, at least one of said panels comprising a portion, segment, area, location, and the like, having a greater degree of distensibility in at least one of a plurality of directions, and substantially all of said panels being distensible in at least one of a plurality of directions.

Other objects and important features of the present invention will be apparent from a study of the specification following, taken with the drawings, which together show, illustrate, described and disclose preferred embodiments or modifications of the invention, and what is now considered to be the best mode of practicing the principles thereof. Other embodiments or modifications may be suggested to those having the benefit of the teachings herein, and such other embodiments or modifications are intended to be reserved especially as they fall within the scope and spirit of the subjoined claims.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a foundation garment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, illustrated as being positioned upon the torso of a female;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the foundation garment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the foundation garment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a front isometric view of a modification of the foundation garment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3;

FIG. 5 is a rear isometric view of the foundation garment illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a front isometric view of another embodiment of a foundation garment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged detailed view of the panels comprising the foundation garment illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front isometric view of a modification of the foundation garment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7;

FIG. 9 is a front isometric view of yet another embodiment of a foundation garment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the foundation garment illustrated in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a rear elevational view of the foundation garment illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10; and

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of another modification of the foundation garment shown in FIGS. 13.

With reference now to the drawings, it will be noted that the principles of the present invention are illustrated therein as being applied to a foundation garment of the panty-girdle type, and the slip-on type, the distinction between these two types being that the former generally comprises a pluarlity of leg-encompassing sections or portions. These are but two of the many types of foundation garments presently available, and, it is to be understood, as the ensuing description proceeds, that the present invention is equally applicable to all such types. For example, the principles of the present invention are applicable to complete foundation garments, that is, to the body encircling portions of long-line brassiers and the like.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 1 through 3, one embodiment of a foundation garment, generally designated by the reference character 10, and constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, is illustrated therein. The garment 10 is illustrated as being disposed or positioned upon the torso 12 of a female, and comprises a frontal, generally centrally disposed or located panel 14, the periphery of which is defined by stitching 16. This panel may be fabricated of any suitable material, and preferably is fabricated of an elastic material having adequate distensibility in one only of a plurality of directions, that is, having elastic threads extending only in said direction, as indicated in the drawing by the arrow appearing within the confines thereof. It will be understood however that the panel 14 may, if desired, be fabricated of a material that is distensible in a plurality of directions, or, for that matter, may be fabricated of a material that is non-distensible. Though not shown, it will further be understood that the panel 14 may comprise suitable design stitching, or any other suitable desgin matter, for introducing certain aesthetic characteristic to the garmeat 10. In accordance with this construction, it will now be seen that there is provided a control assembly for that portion of the torso 12 known as the abdomen, the degree of control depending upon the degree of dis- 4 tensibility of the panel, the number of directions in which it is distensible, and its particular operative association with the remaining panels of the garment, to be described hereinafter.

The garment 10 comprises, further, a front panel 18 and a rear or back panel 20, both of which panels extend towards the side of the garment and define a torsoencircling assembly. The front panel 18 is operatively associated with or connected to the panel 14 by the stitching 16, and, to this end, is provided with edges that correspond in configuration to the configuration of the periphery thereof. The panels 18 and 20 may be fabricated of any suitable material, and preferably are fabricated of a material having elastic threads extending in each of a plurality of directions, as indicated in the drawing by the arrows appearing within the confines thereof. There is thus present more than adequate distensibility in each of said directions.

Each of the panels 18 and 20 comprise generally vertically downwardly extending leg-encompassing sections 22 and 24, respectively, which, in conjunction with the other panels of the garment 10, to be described hereinafter, are particularly adapted to encompass the legs 26 of the torso 12, and specifically that portion thereof known as the thighs. As illustrated, inner panels 28 may be provided, preferably fabricated of the same material, as the panels 18 and 20, for partially completing the annular or generally cylindrical leg-encompassing por tions. The panels 28 are particularly adapted to be operatively associated with the panels 18 and 20, at the leg sections 22 and 24, respectively, thereof in a manner to be described hereinafter. It will now be understood that the leg-encompassing sections 22 and 24 are particularly adapted to comprise suitable fasteners 30 for fastening hosiery (not shown) relative to the garment 10.

A crotch panel 32, fabricated of any suitable material, is fixedly operatively associated with or connected to the inner panels 28 in any suitable manner, as by means of stitching 34 and extends from the front of the garment to the rear thereof. At the rear of the garment, the latter is provided with a rear generally centrally disposed pear-shaped panel 36, fabricated of any suitable material, such as the same material from which the panel 14 is fabricated, and is therefore distensible in one only of a plurality of directions, as indicated in the drawing by the arrow appearing within the confines thereof, The periphery of this panel is defined by suitable stitching 38, which stitching is particularly adapted to operatively associate or connect this panel to the panel 20. The panel 36 is particularly adapted to be operatively associated with or connected to the crotch panel 32 in a manner to be described hereinafter. A waist line control band 40 is particularly adapted to be operatively associated with the. garment 10, as by suitable stitching 42, and extends completely about the garment at the top thereof. In this manner, there is provided adequate and efficient waist line circumferential control. This band may be fabricated of any suitable material, and preferably is so constructed and arranged as to provide distensibility generally only transversely of the garment, that is, about the girth. The contour of the waist band is generally concave downwardly both at the front and at the rear of the garment, the degree of concavity in the front being greater than that in the rear, to provide optimum comfort about the waist line when in use.

Similar bands 44 extend completely annularly about the leg-encompassing sections of the garment 10. The bands 44 may be fabricated of any suitable material, such as that from which the band 40 is fabricated, whereby the former will be distensible in one only of a plurality of directions, namely, generally transversely of the garment, and operativelyassociated with the panels 18, 2t), and 28 in any suitable manner.

As hereinbefore pointed out, the front panel 18 and the rear panel 20 are so constructed, configured and arranged as to extend towards the side of the garment 10. At that location, these panels are particularly adapted to be operatively associated with or connected to one another, in any suitable manner, as by means of stitching 46, defining a seam at that location extending from the waist band 40 of the garment to the leg-encompassing bands 44 thereof. At each side of the garment 10, there is provided a plurality of side panels 48, operatively associated with one another through the medium of the stitching 46, which side panels are particularly adapted to be operatively associated with a corresponding one of the front and rear panels 18 and 20, respectively. To this end, a seam 50 extends from a location genera-11y medially along the longitudinal dimensional extent or length of the seam 46, generally angularly downwardly with respect thereto to a location along that portion of the leg-encompassing bands 44, that is disposed coincidentally with respect to the front panel 18. Similarly, a seam 52 extends from the same location along the seam 46 generally angularly downward- 1y with respect thereto to a location along that portion of the bands 44, disposed coincidentally with respect to the rear panel 20, Each of the seams 50 and 52 preferably are formed by extending an elastic thread between the panels to be operatively associated with one another, namely, the panels 48 with respect to a corresponding one of the panels 18 and 20, in a predetermined stitching pattern. In the exemplary form illustrated, a zig-zag pattern of stitching is sused. As a result, the elastic thread, which may be fabricated of any suitable material, will enable the seams to be distended in a substantial plurality of directions, with the greatest degree of distensibility being introduced in a direction along the threads. It will therefore be understood that the seams 50 and 52 in effect each .comprise at least one of the panels of the garment 10, are each particularly adapted to operatively associate other of the panels of the garment with respect to one another, and are each of greater distensibility than such remaining panels. As a result, it will further be understood that at those areas at which the panels or seams 50 and 52 are located, there is an easing of the figure controlling pressures the remaining panels of the garment .10 are capable of introducing. Accordingly, the garment will self-adjustably accommodate itself to the various geometrics and dimensions of the torso 12, particularly with respect to that portion thereof known as the thigh, while, at the same time enabling the wearer to assume any number of positions and motions without encountering a riding or bunching of the garment at that location.

As hereinbefore pointed out, the inner panels 28 are particularly adapted to be operatively associated with the front and rear panels 18 and 20, respectively. To this end, a panel or seam 54, which is preferably of the same construction as the panels or seams 50 and 52, extends between each of the inner panels 28 and a corresponding one of the leg-encompassing sections 22 of the panel 18, and thence upwardly from a location at the leg-encompassing bands 44 to a location at which the crotch panel 32 is operatively associated with the frontal panel 14. Accordingly, the crotch panel 32 is operatively associated with the front panel 18 and the frontally disposed central panel 14 in a manner substantially the same in which a corresponding one of the side panels 48 is operatively associated with said front panel. The seam 56 disposed generally rearwardly of the garment similarly extends from the leg-encompassing bands 44 generally vertically upwardly therefrom to a location at which the crotch panel 32 is operatively associated with the rearwardly disposed central panel 36.

It will now be understood that the garment 10 comprises a plurality of panels or seams, namely the panels or seams 50, 52, 54 and 56, all of which are so constructed and arranged as to present a greater degree of distensibility than the remaining panels of the garment. Thus, with respect to certain portions of the torso 12, namely, the thighs thereof, the garment 10 is self-adjust able to accommodate the various geometries and dimensions at those locations. And, particularly with respect to that portion of the torso, this feature of the garment 10 to self-adjnstably accommodate various size thighs for any one size torso is of the utmost significance when it is realized that the size of the torso at that location is very likely to vary substantially from one such torso to another. At the same time, however, the garment 10 is completely comfortable during use, enabling the wearer to assume any number of widely divergent positions and motion-s without riding or *bunching at those locations as well as others. In this connection, it is noted that one or even a plurality of panels or seams, such as the panels or seams 50, 52, 54 and 56, can be disposed or positioned with respect to other locations of the garment 10. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of panels or seams 58 can be disposed to extend angularly downwardly from the waist band 40 towards the frontal panel 14. Since, as hereinbefore pointed out, these panels or seams are particularly adapted to introduce or present a greater degree of distensibility than the remaining panels of the garment, the aforesaidability to self-adjustably accommodate the various geometries and dimensions relative to those portions of the torso 12 known as the Waist, and even the hips, will be substantially enhanced. Moreover, by the provision of the panels or seams 58, it is insured that the garment 10 will not ride or bunch at those portions of the torso 12 as the wearer assumes any one of a very substantial number of widely divergent positions and motions.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 4 and 5, wherein like reference characters indicate like parts, but wherein such reference characters are primed, a modification of the foundation garment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 generally designated by the reference character 10' is shown therein.

In this embodiment of a foundation garment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the leg-encompassing sections 22' and 24' of the front and rear panels 18 and 20, respectively, are of such annular extent as to define the leg-encompassing portions of the garment in and of themselves, when disposed in operative association with respect to one another. Thus, in this embodiment of foundation garment, the inner panels 28 have been eliminated. So, too, have the side panels 48 been eliminated. And, in lieu of the panels or seams 50, 52, 56 and 58, each of the legencompassing sections of the garment 10' comprises a plurality of panels or seams 60, which may be of any suitable construction and preferably of a construction similar to that of the aforesaid panels or seams 50, 52, 54 and 56. The panels or seams 60 are disposed in an adjacent relationship with respect to one another being separated by portions of the leg-encompassing sections 22 and 24 of the front and rear panels 18' and 20', respectively. In a manner similar to that as aforesaid, each of the panels or seams 60 are so constructed and arranged as to introduce or present a greater degree of distensibility than the panels 18 or 20'. Moreover, inasmuch as the panels or seams 60 are disposed in adjacent relationship with respect to one another or in a vertically extending successive relationship, they are particularly adapted to encompass that portion of the torso 12' known as the thigh along a substantial segment of the longitudinal dimensional extent or length thereof. For the same reasons as hereinbefore set forth, this relationship between the panels or seams 60, and the panels 18 and 20' with respect to that particular portion of the torso 12' is of the utmost significance when, again, it is realized that the geometries or dimensions may well vary substantially.

With reference now to FIGS. 6 and 7, wherein like reference characters indicate like parts, but wherein such reference characters are primed twice over, there is illustrated therein another embodiment of a foundation garment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, and generally designated by a reference character 10''.

The garment 10", in lieu of the panels or seams 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60 hereinbefore described, disclosed, shown and illustrated comprises a plurality of self-adjustable side panels, each of which is generally designated by the reference character 62. With particular reference to FIG. 7, it will be seen that each panel 62 comprises a first plurality of webs 64, each web being angularly directed generally downwardly towards the right, as viewed in that figure, being lon itudinally dimensionally extensive that is, being of greater length than width, and being distensible in at least one of a plurality of directions, namely, in a direction extending therealong. Each web may be fabricated of any suitable elastic material. However, it is considered readily apparent that the degree of distensibility longitudinally thereof will be greater than that transversely thereof, since the length is greater than the width. It can be said, therefore, that the webs 64 comprise a first plurality of angularly directed longitudinally dimensionally extensive distensible webs. Another or second plurality of angularly directed longitudinally dimensionally extensive distensible webs 66 is provided, preferably being fabricated of the same material, and being constructed, contoured and arranged in substantially the same manner as the first plurality 64. The plurality 66, however, is angularly directed generally downwardly towards the left, as viewed in FIG. 7, and accordingly, is disposed in generally right angular relationship with respect to the plurality 64. The two pluralities of webs 64 and 66, may be interwoven or interlaced with respect to one another, and, irrespective of whether or not they are so related, are each of them, fixedly operatively associated with or connected to the panels 18 and 20" in any suitable manner as by means of stitching 68. Such stitching may comprise zig-zag stitching as particularly illustrated in the drawings. The inner panels 28" may be operatively associated with the front panel 18" and the rear panel 20" (not shown) in a similar manner, as by means of stitching 70.

It will now be understood that the panels 62 are particularly adapted to cooperate or coact with the remaining panels of the garment 10 in such a manner as to selfadjustably ease the development of figure-controlling pressures, for example, in the area of the abdomen, derriere, and hips and particularly in the area of the thighs, enabling the garment 10" to self-adjustably adapt itself or accommodate the various geometries and dimensions of the torso 12". This is true, since the side panels 62 are specifically located at the sides of the garment 10 to cooperate with the front and the rear panels 18" and 20", respectively, to ease the forces generally develomd thereby. In addition, the side panels 62 are so constructed and arranged, that is, each is comprised of the aforesaid more than one plurality of angularly directed longitudinally dimensionally extensive distensible webs 64 and 66, each plurality being disposed generally in right angular relationship with respect to one another, as to ease the forces developed in the area of the hips and the thighs. More specifically, the fact that the distensible side panels 62 are cooperative with each of the front and rear panels 18 and 20", respectively, and the fact that the side panels are so constructed and arranged as to introduce or present a greater, distensibility than those panels, provides the garment 10" with lateral as well as longitudinal distensibility, and enables the front and rear panels to distend independently of the other as well as cooperatively with one another. Thus, particular geometries and dimensions will be no problem, and the self-adjustable garment 10 will be suitable for use with different sizes and shapes of the .torso 12", particularly in the area of the thighs. Excessive disten-sibility, however, will not occur, since the .pluralities 64 and 66 are angularly generally downwardly directed, with the greatest amount of distensibility extending in that direct-ion rather than generally laterally of the garment.

In accordance with the above construction, it will now be understood that the side panels 62 in effect define a fish net construction capable of achieving each and every one of the optimum intended aforesaid results of the present invention. As pointed out above, the pluralities 64 and 66 may be interwoven or interlaced with respect to one another, but need not be so related. Neither is it necessary that they be disposed at right angles with respect to one another. It is necessary only that the panels 62 comprise more than one plurality of such webs that each plurality be operatively associated with respect to one another in a single panel, in any suitable manner, to cooperate with one or more of the remaining panels, that they be disposed or positioned to act upon certain portions of the torso '12" such as the things and that they comprise longitudinally dimensionally extensive webs, that is, a web of greater length than width, thus providing greater distensibility in the former direction.

With reference now to FIG. 8, wherein like reference characters indicate like parts, but wherein the reference characters are primed thrice over, there is illustrated therein a modification of the foundation garment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.

The garment 10 is substantially the same as the garment 10 hereinbefore described, disclosed, shown and illustrated, but, in lieu of the side panels 62, comprise a plurality of inner panels 72 of substantially the same construction as the side panels. The inner panels 72 are particularly adapted to be operatively associated with or connected to the front panel 18" and rear panel 20" (not shown) in any suitable manner, as by means of the stitching 70". These panels being of substantially the same construction as the side panels 62, in effect present a fish net appearance, and, similarly with respect to the side panels, are positioned to cooperate with that portion of the torso 12' known as the thighs. The inner panels 72, due to the construction, contour, arrangement and disposition thereof, are of greater distensibility than the side and rear panels 18' and 20", respectively, and, therefore, are particularly adapted to self-adjustably accommodate the various geometries and dimensions of that portion of the torso 12" as aforesaid. This is particularly true, since the inner panels 72 are operatively associated with or connected to at least one of the remaining panels of the garment 10", and, in the instance illustrated, is operatively associated with a plurality of such panels.

While the garment 10 has been illustrated as comprising only the fish net inner panels 72, it will be understood that this garment can equally as well comprise side panels (not shown) of the same construction, in addition to the inner panels. Moreover, if desired, the garment 19" may comprise panels or seams 58" of the same construction as aforesaid for cooperation with those portions of the torso 12 known as the waist and hips. It will now be understood, therefore, that the garment 10' is capable of self-adjustably accommodating the varying geometries and dimensions of the torso 12" with respect to those portions thereof known as the waist, hips and posterior, and particularly with respect to those portions thereof known as the thighs.

With particularly reference now to FIGS. 9 through 11, wherein like reference characters indicate like parts, but wherein the reference characters are provided with the suflix a, there is illustrated therein another embodiment of a foundation garment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, and generally designated by the reference character 16w.

While the embodiments of the present invention con structed in accordance with the principles thereof hereinbefore described, disclosed, shown and illustrated, are so constructed and arranged as to define a panty-girdle type of foundation garment, the garment a is so constructed and arranged as to define a slip-on type of garment.- Nevertheless, the concepts of this type of garment now to be described, are equally applicable to other types, just as are the concepts hereinbefore set forth with respect to the panty-girdle type garment shown and illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 8.

The garment 10a comprises, in lieu of any one of the seams 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60, or any one of .the panels 62 or 72, a plurality of generally frontally disposed selfadjustable panels 74, and a plurality of generally rearwardly disposed self-adjustable panels 76. The panels 74 and 76 may be of any suitable construction, and, preferably, are of the same or similar construction as the side panels 62 and the inner panels 72. That is, the panels 74 and 76 are so constructed and arranged as to in effect present a fish net or mesh appearance, each of which panels comprise a plurality of longitudinally dimensionally extensive distensible webs, similar to the first plurality 64 of such webs, and the second plurality 66 thereof.

I As hereinbefore pointed out, the garment 10a is a slipon type of foundation garment, one that is particularly adapted to enable the torso 12a to present the proper and ideal geometrics and dimensions, even in the area of the thighs, without, however, presenting leg-encompassing sections. Accordingly, the longitudinal dimensional extent or height of the garment extends from the waist of the torso 12a to a location along the thighs thereof, at which location the garment is particularly adapted to be provided with fasteners 30:: for fixedly removably connecting hosiery (not shown) with respect thereto. Since the garment encompasses the thighs, it is of course desirable that it be so constructed and arranged as to self-adjustably accommodate the various geometrics and dimensions of the torso at that location. At the same time, since the fasteners 30a will transmit the forces applied thereto by the hosiery (not shown) at that portion of the garment that encompasses the thighs, it is desirable that such forces be dissipated before they are transmitted to the body of the garment and particularly to that portion thereof particularly adapted to encompass the waist and hips of the torso 12a. This is accomplished, and optimum intended results attained by the provision of the panels 74 and 76, which are of generally triangular configuration, and may be operatively associated with or connected to the front and rear panels 180 and a, respectively, in any suitable manner, as by means of the stitching 68'a. Since the panels 74 and 76,

for each and every one of the foregoing reasons, are

distensible to a greater extent thanthe panels with which they are operatively associated, the wearer will experience greater freedom of movement, and, at the same time, will be able to assume any one of a number of various positions or attitudes, without fear of the garment riding or bunching particularly at that portion of the torso 12a known as the waist and hips. Moreover, since the panels 74 and 76, which are particularly adapted to self-adjustably accommodate the various geometrics and dimensions at that portion of the torso 12a known as the thighs, do present a greater degree 'of distendability, and are located with resepct to that portion of the torso 12a, the fish netfor mesh construction of these panels will distend to a greater extent than the other panels of the garment 10a if the fasteners 38 were operatively associated with or connected thereto. These panels will, therefore, accommodate the various geometrics and dimensions at the aforesaid location of the torso, and, at the same time, will readily accommodate and dissipate the forces transmitted thereto through the medium of the fasteners a, as the wearer, assumes such different po- 10 sitions of movement such as walking, bending, running, and the like. Accordingly, the garment will be substantially, if not completely, precluded from riding or bunching with respect to those portions of the torso 12a known as the waist and hips.

While the garment 10a has been hereinbefore described and disclosed as comprising a front panel 18a and a rear panel 20a, it will be understood that either one of these panels, or both of them, may themselves be fabricated or constructed of a plurality of panels. For example, and with reference now to FIG. 11, it will be seen that the rear panel 20a of the garment 10a is comprised of a plurality of panels 73, which preferably are fabricated of the same material as if the panel were integrally constructed, which panels 78 are particularly adapted to be operatively associated with or connected to one another in any suitable manner, as by means of suitable stitching 80. Other variations in construction may be effected, if desired.

In orderto facilitate an understanding of the present invention, it has been necessary to invoke the use of certain relative terminology, such as front, rear, and the like. This language is intended to be construed in its normal and accepted sense, and is not in any way intended to be limiting, both hereinbefore with respect to the description of the present invention, and if and when used in the ensuing claims. Accordingly, the broadest possible interpretation and construction is to be attributed thereto. As an example, the self-adjustable panels of the various embodiments or modifications of the present in vention can be defined as being connnected to the front and rear distensible panels defined by the torso-encircling assembly. That is, the self-adjustable panels are disposed or positioned to function or act with the front and rear panels. Thus, in FIGS. l-3, the self-adjustable panel or seam 50 extends from a location adjacent the rear panels 20 along the front panel 18, and therefore acts or functions with these panels. This is similarly true with respect to the self-adjustable panel or seam 52, and the self-adjustable panels 74 and 76 shown in FIGS. 9, l0 and 11. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the self-adjustable panels 60 extend annularly about the leg-encompassing sections 22' and 24', and therefore act or function with the front and rear panels 18' and 20. In FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the selfadjustable panels 62 or 72 extend between the front and rear panels, and therefore act or function therewith. Similarly with respect to the self-adjustable panels 48b shown in FIG. 12.

While the invention has been shown, illustrated, described and disclosed in terms of embodiments or modifications which it has assumed in practice, the scope of the invention should not be deemed to be limited by the precise embodiments or modifications herein shown, illustrated, described and disclosed, it being understood that other embodiments or modifications are intended to fall within the scope and ambit of the principles of the present invention. Thus, for example, and with reference to FIGS. 6, 8 and 9 through 11, it will be seen that the panels 62, 72, 74 and 76, each of which is so constructed and arranged as to present more than one plurality of distensible webs, such as the pluralities 64 and 66 shown in FIG. 7, enabling these panels to present a fish net or mesh appearance. L1 FIG. 6 such a panel extends along the sides of. the garment 10", in FIG. 8 such a panel extends along the inner portions of the leg encompassing sections 22' and 24" (not shown), and in FIGS. 9 through 11, such panels take the form of triangular configuration and are disposed both frontally and rearwardly of the garment 1001. It is conceivable that the placement of the panels 72 and the general configuration of the panels 74 and 76 be combined in a garment (not shown) that would have such a fish net or mesh appearance, which panel would be of unitary construction and would encompass the inner portions of the thighs, that portion of the torso particularly adapted to be encompassed by suchas the crotch portion 32", extending from forwardly of the torso to rearwardly thereof, and those portions of the thighs, both forwardly and rearwardly thereof, disposed outwardly of the inner portions as encompassed by such as the panels 72. As just pointed out, such a panel would be of unitary construction, that is, it would in effect, be a single panel, would present a fish net or mesh appearance, and would encompass those portions of the torso encompassed by such as the panels 72, the crotch portion 32", and at least a portion of the thighs particularly adapted to be encompassed by the panels 74 and 7 6. Accordingly, fastener structure or hose supporters such as the supporters 30a, at least frontally of the garment (not shown) would be operable with respect to a portion thereof substantially adjacent to such a fish net panel, enabling this garment to achieve each and every one of the intended optimum results hereinbefore described and disclosed with respect to the garment lea. Of course, the single or unitary panel, both rearwardly and frontally of the garment, could be extended so that the supporters at both locations would cooperate with such a distensible fish net single or unitary panel. As thus far described, such a garment would generally be of the type to present leg-encompassing portions or sections, as hereinbefore described and disclosed, though the longitudinal dimensional extent or length thereof may be substantially less than that as illustrated. Other modifications are of course within the scope of the present invention, such as constructing and arranging the panels 48 in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 similar to the panels 62 in FIGS. 6 and 7, the panels 72 in FIG. 8 or the panels 74 and 76 in FIGS. 9 through 11, in each case there being presented panels having angularly disposed webs so that such panels are in effect cut on a bias or diagonal set to create different tensions with respect to those portions of the torso known as the waist, abdomen, hips, posterior, and particularly the thighs. Such a garment 1% is illustrated in FIG. 12, and comprises side panels 481; which may be constructed as are the panels 62, 72, 74 or 76. The panels 48b, though shown as a unitary panel, may be constructed of a plurality of panels stitched together, as are the panels 48 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.

It will be understood that language such as cut on a bias or diagonal set is intended in its broadest possible sense. Thus, this langauge is intended to facilitate an un derstanding of this invention, and to explain only that the bias or set of the self-adjusting panel or panels of the present invention relative to the front and rear panels defined by the torso-encircling assembly are chosen to create the different tensions with respect to those portions of the torso known as the waist, abdomen, hips, posterior, and particularly the thighs, to self-adjustably ease the figure-controlling pressures developed by the assembly.

This is true not only with respect to the self-adjusting panel or panels of each of the embodiments or modifications disclosed herein, but with respect to all such other embodiments or modifications that fall within the scope and ambit of the present invention.

It will now be understood, therefore, that such other embodiments or modifications are intended to be reserved especially as they fall within the scope of the claims here appended.

What is claimed is:

1. A foundation garment, such as a girdle, panty-girdle, and the like, comprising in combination a torso-encircling assembly adapted to encompass at least those portions of a wearers torso known as the waist, abdomen, hips and posterior, and particularly the thighs; said torso-encircling assembly introducing positive figure controlling pressures at least with respect to said portions, and being constructed and arranged to define at least one front panel, and at least one rear panel; said front and rear panels being distensible in at least one of a plurality of directions; at least one self-adjustable panel connected to said front and rear distensible panel for conjointly encompassing at least said portions of the torso, and particularly said portion known as the thighs, and comprising distensible means cut on a bias relative to said front and rear distensible panels to create different tensions with respect to said portions of the torso, and particularly the thighs, enabling the positive figure controlling pressures applied to the torso by the torso-encircling assembly completely relative to the location or locations of the torso conjointly encompassed by said front and rear panels and said selfadjustable panels to be self-adjustably eased; said distensible means having a greater degree of distensibility than said front and rear panels.

2. A foundation garments as defined in claim 1,

wherein:

said plurality of front and rear panels comprise:

a side panel connected to a corresponding one of each of said front and rear panels; and wherein said selfadjustable panel comprises:

a seam disposed between each of said side panels and a corresponding one of said front and rear panels.

3. A foundation garment as defined in claim 2, wheresaid plurality of front and rear panelsfurther comprise:

a plurality of inner panels, each extending from any one of said front and rear panels to the other; and wherein there is provided:

another self-adjustable panel positioned between each of said inner panels and said front and rear panels;

said other self-adjustable panel operatively connecting said inner panels to said front and rear panels.

4. A foundation garment as defined in claim 3, where.-

said side panels are of generally triangular configuration, and said self-adjustable panels extend from a location at which said front and side panels are operatively connected to one another to a location corresponding generally with that portion of the torsoknown as the thighs. 5. A foundation garment as defined in claim 1, wheresaid front and rear panels comprise: leg-encompassing sections for encircling that portion of the torso known as the thighs; and wherein there is provided: at least one self-adjustable panel operatively connected to said leg-encompassing sections, and extending sub.- stantially completely annularly thereabouts. 6. A foundation garment as defined in claim 5, wherein:

a plurality of self-adjustable panels are operatively conconnected with to said leg-encompassing sections; said self-adjustable panels being disposed in adjacent successive relationship with respect to one another. 7. A foundation garment as defined in claim 4, wherea plurality of self-adjustable panels are operatively connected to that portion of at least said front panel adapted to encompass that portion of the torso known as the waist.

8. A foundation garment as defined in claim 5, wherea plurality of self-adjustable panels are operatively connected to that portion of at least said front panel adapted to encompass that portion of the torso known as the waist.

9. A foundation garment as defined in claim 1, where said self-adjustable panel is operatively connected to said front panel; and

at least one self-adjustable panel is operatively connected to said rear panel.

10. A foundation garment as defined in claim 9, whereat least one fastener is operatively connected to a corresponding one of each of said frontally disposed self-adjustable panels and said rearwardly disposed self-adjustable panels.

11. A foundation garment as defined in claim 1, wherein:

a self-adjustable panel is positioned at each side of the garment, and operatively connects said front and rear panels to one another; and wherein:

said distensible means comprises:

a first plurality of longitudinally dimensionally extensive distensible webs, and a second plurality of longitudinally dimensionally extensive distensible webs;

said pluralities of distensible webs being operatively connected to one another, and to said front and rear panels;

said pluralities of distensible webs being disposed in angular relationship with respect to one another, and being distensible along a direction angularly disposed with respect to a direction along which any one of said front and rear panels are distensible.

12. A foundation garment as defined in claim 1, wherea plurality of self-adjustable inner panels operatively connect said front and rear panels to one another; and wherein:

said distensible means comprises:

a first plurality of longitudinally dimensionally extensive distensible Webs, and a second plurality of longitudinally dimensionally extensive distensible webs;

said first and second pluralities of distensible webs being operatively connected with one another, and to said front and rear panels;

said first and second pluralities of distensible webs being disposed in angular relationship with respect to one another, and being distensible along a direction disposed in angular relationship with respect to a direction along which any one of said front and rear panels is distensible.

13. A foundation garment as defined in claim 9, wherea plurality of frontally disposed self-adjustable panels are operatively connected to said front panel; and

wherein:

a plurality of rearwardly disposed self-adjustable panels are operatively connected to said rear panel; and wherein:

said distensible means comprises:

a first plurality of longitudinally dimensionally extensive distensible webs, and a second plurality of Iongitudinally dimensionally extensive distensible webs;

said first and second pluralities of distensible webs being operatively connected to one another, and said frontally disposed self-adjustable panels being operatively connected to said front panel, and said rearwardly disposed self-adjustable panel being operatively connected to said rear panel;

said first and second pluralities of distensible webs being disposed in angular relationship with respect to one another, and being distensible along a direction angularly disposed with respect to a direction along which a corresponding one of said front and rear panels are distensible.

14. A foundation garment, such as a girdle, pantygirdle, and the like, comprising in combination a torsoencircling assembly adapted to encompass at least those portions of a wearers torso known as the waist, abdomen, hips and posterior, and particularly the thighs; said torso-encircling assembly introducing positive figure controlling pressure at least with respect to said portions, and being constructed and arranged to define at least one front panel, and at least one rear panel; said front and rear panels being distensible in at least one of a plurality of directions; at least one self-adjustable panel connected to said front and rear distensible panel for conjointly encompassing at least said portions of the torso, and particularly said portion known as the thighs, and comprising distensible means cut on a bias relative to said front and rear distensible panels to create different tensions with respect to said portions of the torso, and particularly the thighs, enabling the positive figure controlling pressures applied to the torso by the torso-encircling assembly completely relative to the location or locations of the torso conjointly encompassed by said front and rear panels and said self-adjustable panels to be self-adjustably eased; said distensible means having a greater degree of distensibility than said front and rear panels; and a plurality of fasteners connected to said garment; at least one of said fasteners being connected to the garment at a location adjacent said self-adjustable panel.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,602,429 10/1926 Gray 128-540 1,909,273 5/1933 Hennessy 128-528 2,235,499 3/ 1941 Hiller 2-224 2,298,737 10/ 1942 Kattermann et a1. 128-540 2,607,037 8/1952 Kahn 128-540 2,732,556 1/1956 Erteszek 128-528 3,121,428 2/1964 Laguzzi 128-548 3,130,730 4/1964 Zanca 128-556 3,137,301 6/1964 Gingras 128-528 3,153,416 10/1964 Cuozzi 128-528 3,221,749 12/1965 Marino 128-556 ADELE M. EAGER, Primary Examiner. 

1. A FOUNDATION GARMENT, SUCH AS A GIRDLE, PANTY-GIRDLE, AND THE LIKE, COMPRISING IN COMBINATION A TORSO-ENCIRCLING ASSEMBLY ADAPTED TO ENCOMPASS AT LEAST THOSE PORTIONS OF A WEARER''S TORSO KNOWN AS THE WAIST, ABDOMEN, HIPS AND POSTERIOR, AND PARTICULARLY THE TIGHTS; SAID TORSO-ENCIRCLING ASSEMBLY INTRODUCING POSITIVE FIGURE CONTROLLING PRESSURES AT LEAST WITH RESPECT TO SAID PORTIONS AND BEING CONSTRUCTED AND ARRANGED TO DEFINE AT LEAST ONE FRONT PANEL, AND AT LEAST ONE REAR PANEL; SAID FRONT AND REAR PANELS BEING DISTENSIBLE IN AT LEAST ONE OF A PLURALITY OF DIRECTIONS; AT LEAST ONE SELF-ADJUSTABLE PANEL CONNECTED TO SAID FRONT AND REAR DISTENSIBLE PANEL FOR CONJOINTLY ENCOMPASSING AT LEAST SAID PORTIONS OF THE TORSO, AND PARTICULARLY 